Sparking possibility
discover moreLive performance fires the imagination.
It uplifts and connects people like nothing else. That’s why we bring extraordinary events to unexpected places – town centres, village squares, beaches and hilltops – and everyone’s invited.
A creative family
We exist to promote, support and produce performing arts projects in our communities. In everything we do, we have just two rules. Anything’s possible. And everyone’s invited.
Latest News
Discover more about the work we do at Activate.

Activate wins silver at Dorset Tourism Awards
Our Inside Out Dorset 2023 festival takes silver in the Tourism Event / Festival of the Year category.

Nature Calling – Writers, rappers and poets unveil their new work
Nature Calling, a ground-breaking national project led by National Landscapes Association and executive and creative producers, Activate Performing Arts are…

Christmas Celebratory Showcase – What A Joy To Watch!
WHAT A NIGHT. A HUGE THANK YOU to the various arts groups from across Dorset who came together for a…

Remembering The Best Moments Of 2024!
As a lovely way to round up 2024, three members of our team – Jen Walke-Myles, Jude Allen and Emily…

What were the ‘WOW’ moments of 2024 for Activate?
Activate’s Producing team have selected the most memorable and brilliant events from this year. As a lovely way to…

Nature Calling Artist Residency
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE COUPLE OF WEEKS! Just under 30 artists from a diversity of artistic disciplines joined us to develop their…
Support us
We believe in creating moments that touch hearts and minds – and you can help us do that. Each year Activate offers thousands of people the chance to experience high quality performing arts. Whilst we receive core funding from Arts Council England, Dorset Council and BCP Council, as a charity we also rely on donations.